Amusement device



Sept. 23, 1941. T. DUFFY AMUSEMENT DEVICE Filed Dec. 15, 1936 '7 Sheets-Sheet 1 Sept. 23, 1941. T. L. DUFFY 2,256,862

AMUSEMENT DEVICE Filed Dec. 15, 1936 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Hera,

72 0/1/95 Z flurry Sept. 23, 1941. T. L. DUFFY AMUSEMENT DEVICE Filed Dec. 15, 1936 '7 Sheets-Sheet 5 lllll R IIIIIIIIIIIIAAIIIH 1 Sept. 23, 1941.

T. L. DUFFY AMUSEMENT DEVICE Filed Dec. 15, 1956 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 T. DUFFY 2,256,862

AMUSEMENT DEVICE Filed Dec. 15, 1936 v Sheets-Sheet a Sept. 23, 1941.

1 MW Q-MW T. L. DUFFY Sept. 23, 1941.

AMUSEMENT DEVICE Filed Dec. 15, 1936 '7 Sheets-Sheet 7 km u gnaw Woo Sump Patented Sept. [941 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE AMUSEMENT nlvlca Thomas L. Duii'y. Harrison, N. J.

Application December 15, 1936, Serial No. 116,011

' 1: Claims. (01.104-129) This invention relates to an amusement device.

and more particularly has reference to an elec-' trically operated amusement device.

One of the objects of my invention is to provide an amusement device which is highly entertaining to adults as well as children.

Another object of my invention is to provide an amusement device consisting of a track having a train running thereon, and also having a bridge located on, the track which is operable by means of an electromagnetic relay actuated by the train.

Another object of my invention is to provide an amusement device consisting of a track having a train adapted to run thereon, said track also having a lift bridge located thereon, and a second track having a boat adapted to run on it, and so arranged with respect to the first track that it passes under the bridge.

Another object of my invention is to provide an electrically operated amusement device which will perform a series of independent functions by actuating a single switch.

Still another object of my invention is to provide an electrically operated amusement device which will perform a series of independent functions either manually or automatically.

Yet another object of my invention is to provide an electrical toy train system in which a bridge is provided in the system and such bridge being adapted to be raised by means actuated by the train in running on the track.

A still further object of my invention is to provide an electrically operated amusement system consisting in a plurality of tracks having a vehicle running on each track and a control unit for actuating the functions of the system.

Yet another object of my invention is to provide an electrical train system which can be operated without any danger of accidents, etc.

With these and other objects in view, which may be incident to my improvements, the invention consists in the parts and combinations to be hereinafter set forth and claimed, with the understanding that the several necessary elements comprising my invention may be varied in construction, proportions and arrangement, without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

In order to make my invention more clearly understood, I have shown in the accompanying drawings means for carrying the same into practical eflect without limiting the improvements in their useful applications to the particular constructiom, which, for the purpose of explanae tion, have been made the subject of illustration.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a plan view of my invention;

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the lift bridge;

Figure 3 is an end elevation of the lift bridge;

Figure 4 is a view taken along the line 4-4 of Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a view taken along the line 6-6 of Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a view taken along the line 6-6 of Figure 5;

Figure '7 is a view taken along the line 1-'I of Fi ure Figure 8 is a view taken along the line 8-4 of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a section of one of the switches;

Figure 10 is a view taken along the line Ill-l6 of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a detail. view of another one of the switches;

Figure 12 is a top sectional view of the switch shown in Figure 11;

Figure 13 is a sectional view of another switch Figure 14 is a top plan view showing the relays;

Figure 15 is a view taken along the line ll-II of Figure 14;

Figure 16 is a view taken along the line l6l6 of Figure 14;

Figure 17 is a perspective view of the receptacle for the plug-in device carrying the operating wires: 1

Figure 18 is a perspective view of the plug-in device;

Figure 19 is a view taken along the lines l9'l8 of Figure 18;

Figure 20 is a view taken along the line 20-." of Figure 19;

Figure 21 is a view taken along the line 2|2l of Figure 19 I Figure 22 is a view taken along the line 22-42 of Figure 17 Figure 23 is a view taken along the line 2323 of Figure 22;

Figure 24 is a diagram showing the system of operation of my device;

Figure 25 is a diagram showing a modification of my system;

Figure 26 is a detail view showing a switch employed in the circuit shown in Figure 25; and

Figure 27 is a detail view in perspective of a portion of the track.

In terms of broad inclusion, my invention consists in two independent sections of track, on one of which a train is adapted to run; a boat being adapted to run on the other section of track. A lift bridge is provided on the train track, and the boat track is so arranged with respect to the train track as to pass under the bridge. 1

By starting the train in motion on its track, and by having a green light at the approach side of the bridge, the train will contlnue to run until it is desired to operate the bridge and boat.

A push button on acontrol unit is depressed and a cycle of operation commences. A red si nal light appears with the green light at the bridge approach, and the train continues to move, passing over a special section of track.

' When the train passes over the special section of track, it closes an electric circuit to a bridge raising relay. The bridge being in motion causes the green light to disappear, and the train comes to a stop at the red signal light.

At this point the boat motor becomes energized and begins to move on its track, approaching the bridge. When the bridge completes its ascent, the bridge signal lights change from red to green and the boat proceeds under the bridge. When the boat is clear of the bridge, it passes over a special section of track and closes the electric circuit to the bridge-lowering relays, allowing the bridge to descend, its signal light changing back to red. The boat continues to run until it arrives at a dead section in the track and comes to a stop. The bridge continues to descend until it arrives at its lowermost position, at which position the train signal changes to green. The train then commences to run on its track, and will continue to run until the push button is again depressed to repeat the foregoing cycle.

The relays and switches are so arranged as t make the system crash-proof, that is, the boat could not collide with the partially opened bridge, nor could the bridge operate beyond its highest limit, nor could the train operate through the opened bridge.

Referring to the drawings, and more particularly to Fig. 1, I have shown a train track I. Positioned on one of the straight sides of the track is a lift bridge designated generally 2, over which a toy train 3 is adapted to pass. As shown in Fig. 2, the bridge is mounted on supporting elements 4.

Another section of track 5 is so arranged with respect to the track I that a portion thereof passes under the lift bridge 2. A boat 6, which is geared at a low speed, is adapted to run on the track 5 and pass under the bridge 2 when it is in its raised position, as will be more apparent hereinafter.

While I prefer to employ a toy train 3 and a wheeled boat 6 to run on the tracks I and 5, respectively, it is of course within the scope of my invention to use any type of toy vehicle in lieu of those disclosed. In connection with the boat track 5, effects may be used to simulate water, and thus make the arrangement more realistic. The tracks I and 5 are the conventional type of track, having certain insulated or dead sections, as will be later described in the specification.

The operation of the system is controlled by a single control unit I which is connected to a suitable source of electric energy. A multiple cable 8 carries all of the necessary wiring for the operation of the system.

The operation of my system is best shown by reference to the diagram shown in Figure 24. A transformer 3 supplies current to the train track I and the boat track 5 through lines I II and II,

respectively. The lines II and II are connected to the center and running rails of each track.

A line I2, in which is positioned a manually operated switch I3, supplies current as a common lead to the operating solenoids I4 and I5, I5 and II, of the relays I8 and I3, respectively.

The transformer 3 also supplies current to red and green train signal lights 20, and to red and green boat signal lights 2 I A second transformer 22 supplies current for the operation of a bridge motor 23. While I have shown separate transformers for the train and boat and for the bridge, a single transformer of sufficient output may be used to supply current for all the circuits.

The train track I is provided with an insulated section 24 in one of its running rails at a point somewhat remote from the bridge 2. There is also an insulated section 25 in the center rail and an insulated section 25 in the running rail at the approach side of the bridge 2.

The boat track 5 has two insulated sections 21 and 28 in its running rails. These sections serve as docking points for the boat. The center rail is provided with insulated sections 29 and 30 at the approach sides of the bridge 2, while insulated sections 3I and 32 are provided in the running rail on the far sides of the bridge.

Control switches 33, 34, 35, 36 and 31, the functions of which will be described in their order of operation, are interposed in the system.

In the event manual operation of the relays II and I9 is desired, the switch I3 is left open. For automatic operation, however, switch I3 is closed and current for the operation of the relays is allowed to pass through the common lead I2 to one end of the solenoid windings I4, I5, I6 and II.

Consider the relays I8 and I9 in the positions shown in Figure 24, and the train traveling on the track I in the direction indicated by the arrows. The push button 33 is momentarily depressed and the solenoid I5 is energized by completing the circuit through push button 33 and a line 38. When solenoid I5 is energized, it closes contacts I8-a and III-b. The contact I8-a prepares the solenoid II for operation, while contact I8b completes the circuit to the red train lights 20-R through lines II, 39, 40, contact I8-b, line H, and line 42.

When the train reaches the insulated section 24, the circuit is completed to the solenoid I1 through line I2, line 43, contact I8a, line 44, the insulated section 24, the train structure, the running rail of the track, and through line II to the transformer 9.

When solenoid I1 is energized it opens contacts I9a, I9b and IB-c, and closes the contacts l3d, I9e and I8-f of the relay I9.

When the above-mentioned action takes place, current is supplied from the transformer 22 to the bridge operating motor 23, through line 45, the field coil 23-a, line 46, contact I9-e, line 41, armature 23-b, line 48, line 49, contact I9-f, line 50, contact 35--a of the switch 35, and line 5|, back to the transformer 22.

The bridge starts to rise, breaking the contact 36-a, and closing contacts 35-b and 3B-c of the switch 36, momentarily closing switch 34. The closing of switch 34 energizes the solenoid I4 through a line 34'- which again opens the contacts I8--a and I8-b.

As the contact 36-h is closed, the train red light ZII-R remains on the circuit now being completed through lines 52 and 53 and contact 36-11. The train proceeds toward the bridge assess:

until it reaches dead section 28, where it stops. At this point current is transmitted through the train wheels to the insulated section 28 and then through line 88, contact I8-d and line 88 to the boat docking sections 21 and 28. The boat being on one of these dead sections starts to move toward the bridge. In the event, however, that the bridge does not rise properly, the boat again comes to a stop on one of the dead sctions 28 or 38, depending upon whether the boat comes from the dock 21 or 28.

When the bridge has risen to its limits, it operates switch 38, opening contact 38-a and closing contact38-b, and operates'sliding switch 31 to change the boat light 2| from red to green. The opening of contact 38a breaks the circuit to the motor 23 and causes it'to stop. The closing of contact 38b passes current to dead sections 28 and 38 of the boat track through lines 88 and 81. This allows the boat to continue its course under the bridge and to the other docking point 21 or 28.

As the boat passes over one of the insulated sections 3| or 22, current is transmitted through the boat structure to a line 88, to energize solenoid l8 which closes contacts I8-a, I8-b and "-0 and opens contacts I8-d, I8e and I 8--f. The bridge motor 23 now reverses as the current is supplied to it'through line 88, field 23-a, line 88, contact I8-b, line 48, armature 23-h, line 41, line 8|, contact l8-c, line 82, contact 38-0 and lines 83 and 8| to the transformer 22.

When the bridge starts to lower, the switch 38 returns to its normal position and switch 31 functions to change the boat signal light 2| to red. After the bridge completes its lowering operation. the switch 38 automatically functions to again open contacts 38-!) and 38c and close contact 38-0. The contact 38-0 breaks circuit to motor 23 and causes it to stop. The contact 38-h breaks circuit to red light 28-11.. The current is now supplied to the green light 28--G and dead section 28 through line I8, line 42, contact I8--a, line 88, contact 38-a, line 88 and' line 88'. This permits the train to proceed along the track I until-the push button 38 is again operated to repeat the foregoing cycle.

In Figure 25 there is shown a modified circuit in which the relay I8, push button 33, and switch 38 are supplanted by a single switch unit 88. The details of the switch 88 are shown in Figure 26.

To start theoperating cycle, the pivoted contact arm 81 which carries the contact points 88 and 88 is manually depressed by means of the button 18. The contact arm 81 is maintained in the depressed position by means of pivoted latch lever 1|. In its depressed position points 88 and 88 are in contactwith contacts 12 and 13, respectively. These contacts are yieldingly held in good electrical contact with points 88 and 88 by means of helical springs 18.

' The contact points 88 and 12 function similarly to contact I8-a (Fig. 24) closing the circuit to the solenoid I1 through lines 18 and 18. The contacts 88 and 13 function similarly to contact "-4) (Fig. 24) to close the circuit, to the red train light 28-R. Contact arm 81 remains in this closed position until an arm on the bridge trips the latch 1|, allowing the switch to return to its normal open position by action of a spring 13. Thus it'will be seen that the result of the operation of this switch 88 is similar to that obtained by actuation of the switches 33 and 34 and the relay I8.

all

' I8 is clearly shown in cross Should manual operation of the system be desired in lieu of automatic operation, the switch I3 is moved to its open position. Suitable levers are provided in conjunction with the relays I3 and I8 to move these relays and hence cause the several operating units of the system to function.

As heretofore pointed out, the operation of the bridge 2 is controlled by relays I8 and I8. The structural details of these relays are best shown in Figures 14 to 16. inclusive.

The spring contacts designated generally I3-a and I8b are secured to base 18 of insulating material by means of screws 18'. The screws 18' also serve as connectors for the various leads to the contacts.

The contacts I8-a, I8b, "-0, "-41, "-0 and "-1 of relay I8 are similarly secured to the base. Inasmuch as the contacts are of similar construction, I shall limit by description to a'singl'e contact for the purpose of simplicity.

Referring now specifically to Fig. 16, the contacts Il-a, "-1), "-1: and I8d, ll-e. l8-f of relay 18 are shown in the closed andopen positions, respectively. Each contact comprises a pair of upright resilient members 88 and II. A contact point 82 is carried by each of the upright members. The upright 8| is of greater length than the member 88 and is provided with an arcuate portion 83 adjacent its upper end.

As pointed out, the contacts of the relay II are actuated by the solenoids I4 and I8 and the contacts of relay II by solenoids I8 and I1. Each of these solenoids is oi. identical construction, and by referring to Figure 16 the solenoid section. The solenoid is provided with an electromagnetic coil 88 wound on a non-magnetic sleeve 88, and a moving core 88 is slidably mounted in this sleeve.

The sleeve 88 is provided with a reduced extension 81 having an internally threaded bore 88. The extension 81 extends through an aperture 88 in the base. A bolt 88 provided with a lock nut is screwed into the bore 88 and is used as a limit stop for core 38.

A pin 8|, having a head 8I', the function of which will bev more fully described, is secured in each of the cores 88, at 82.

Secured to the base 18 are a pair of upright standards 83 and 84. A shaft 88, for pivotally mounting rocker arms 88 and 81 of the relays I8 and I 8, respectively, is journaled in the enlarged upper portions 88 and 88 of the standards, being secured therein by set screws I88.

Collars I8I are fltted,-"onto the shaft 88 adjacent the rocker arm bearings I82 and are secured thereto by the screws I83. These collars prevent lateral displacement of the rocker arms.

Each of the arms 88 and 81 is provided with a pair of elongated apertures I84 and I88 through which extend the pins 8|, the heads 8| of which co-act with the arms 88 and 81 to rock them when the solenoids become energized.

As best shown in Figure 16, each end of the arm 81 is provided with a T-shaped portion I 88 having a depending flange I81. Suitably secured to the flange I81 is a cam member I 88 of insulating material. The cam I83 is adapted to fit into the arcuate portion 83 to hold the contacts closed.

It will of course be appreciated that the arm 81 will respond with a rocking motion .to the pull of the plungers 88 in each of the solenoids.

as the coils are energized. This action likewise applies to the arm 88 when the solenoids I 8 and I 8 are energized. It is of course apparent that each of the solenoid magnet Icoils performs their necessary functions by being energized only momentarily.

As shown in Figure 16, the coil I8 has been energized and the contacts I9-a, I9-b and I9-c are closed and the contacts I 9-d, I9-e and I9-j are open. Obviously, when the solenoid I1 is energized, the inverse is true.

The relays are so designed that one set of contacts will not. close until the opposite set opens. thus permitting the contacts to function without the danger of short-circuiting the transformers.

A manual operating lever I 99 having a knurled head H is suitably secured to the bearings I92 of each of the arms 95 and 91. A metallic strip III is held in position above the heads of the pins ill by the member I89 and prevents the removal of the plungers 85. The levers I89 provide means for manual actuation of the relays.

The above described parts, that is, the relays I8 and I9, and the switches I3 and 33, form a controller for the system, and as shown may be included in a single unit. This unit may be suitably encased, and by means of the flexible cable 8 may be positioned to conveniently operate the system.

Secured to the bridge supporting member 4 is a receptacle H2 of insulating material. A plugin member or jack H3 is adapted to be inserted into an aperture H4 formed in receptalcle H2. The plug is likewise formed of insulating material and receives all of the lead wires from the control unit 1 which may be carried therefrom in the flexible cable 8. The receptacle II2 carries the lead wires for the various operating units of the system.

As best shown in Figures 18 to 21, the jack H3 is formed of two semi-cylindrical members H5 and H6 which join to form a cylinder. Each of the members is cut away to form a central bore I I1. The bore H1 is adapted to carry the lead wires H8. As shown in Figure 20, metallic contact points, H9 are fitted into recesses I20 provided in the members H5 and H5. In order to hold the members H5 and H5 in proper position and to provide means for conveniently inserting and removing the jack H3, a knurled sleeve I2I is fitted on an enlarged end I22. A set screw I23 secures the sleeve in place.

A metallic collar I24 is fitted around the reduced end I25 of the plug. A pair of pins I28 are screwed into the members H5 and H8, and are arranged at substantially right angles to the contacts H9. The wires H8 are secured to the contacts as at I21.

The receptacle H2 is composed of a lower or base member I28 and a top closure member I29 adapted to be held together by'suitable means, such as screws or bolts I30. The base is flanged at I3I so as to provide means whereby it can be secured to the support 4.

Referring to Figures 22 and 23, it can be seen that the base I28 and the top I29 are recessed as at I32 and I33, respectively, to form the bore II4 into which the jack is inserted. The base member. I28 and the cover member I29 are also provided with channels I34 adjacent and parallel with the bore I I4, and communicate with it by a series of spaced transverse slots I35. These slots I35 are so positioned as to be opposite the contacts H9 when the plug is inserted in the bore H4. In each of the slots I35 is mounted a contact strip I35 held in place by a screw I31. The screws I31 are threaded into sleeves I38 which are molded, or otherwise embedded, into receptacle H2. These screws also serve as connection means for lead wires I39 which are carried in the channels I34 and thence to the several operating units of the system. The resilient contact strips I39 project into and partially around the circumference of ,the bore II4 to co-act with contact points II9 to complete the electrical circuits.

The members I28 and I29 are provided with bayonet slots I48 and I40, respectively, into which the pins I28 fit. when the plug H3 is completely inserted into the receptacle, the pins I25 will fit in these bayonet slots, and by turning the plug H3 it will be locked in position.

With a Jack arrangement such as Just described, the lead wires for operation of the system may be permanently attached to the several operating units. Should it be desired to dismantle for any purpose, such as moving or storage, the only operation necessary to disconnect the electrical circuit will be to remove the jack H3 from its receptacle II2..

For the sake of clarity in the drawings, no attempt has been made to show the lead wires to the various units. These lead wires, however, may be run from the receptacle H2 and through the bridge and track structure in any convenient manner well known to those versed in that art.

As heretofore pointed out, the train track is provided with a lift bridge 2. This bridge is best shown in Figures 2 to 4.

The superstructure of the bridge consists of a plurality of upright channels I4I which form guides for the movable portion I42 of the bridge. The uprights are secured to the supports 4 at I43. Horizontal beams I44 are secured to the upper ends of the uprights I. The beams I44 serve to support the bridge motor 23 and the train lights 2|.

Another set of upright channels I45 arranged in parallel relationship to the channels I M are secured to the support 4 at one end of the bridge. These channels serve as guides for a counterweight I45 which will later be described. The switch members 34 and 35 are also carried by the upright channels.

Angularly arranged brace members I41 are secured to the uprights I and the base for supporting the superstructure. The train signal lights 28 are positioned on a cross bracket I48 which is carried by the supports I41.

The movable portion I42 of the bridge carries a section of train track I49 which is adapted to fit in with the remainder of the track when the bridge is in its lowermost or normal position. The method of Joining the track section I49 with the rest of the track is clearly shown in Figure 27, where the end of the rails I49 are split to fit over the connecting pins in the adjoining rails I.

Spacer members I50 are also secured to the bottom of the movable bridge portion I42 so" as to keep the track I49 clear of the boat track, and obviate any danger of short-circuiting the tracks.

,The casing I5I of the motor 23 for raising and lowering the bridge portion I42 is secured to the horizontal support as at I52. Louvres I53 are provided in the casing for ventilating the motor.

The motor 23 is of the conventional series wound type, and its armature shaft I54 carries a pinion I55. A partition wall I59 is provided in the casing.

Journaled in the bearings I51 and I58 carried by a bracket I59 and the partition I55, is a shaft I60 having a worm I8I. The shaft extends and will also operate the sliding switch 31 tothrough the partition, and a gear I63 is secured to its end, which gear meshes with the pinion I55. The warm I6I meshes with a worm wheel I64 carried by a shaft I65 which is suitably journaled in the casing, as indicated at I65.

A driving sheave I66 is carried by the shaft at its outer end. A small idler pulley I61 is Journaled in the casing at I68. A second pulley I69 is provided on the bridge superstructure above the counterweight I46. A hoisting cable I is secured to the counterweight I46 and passes over the idler I69, under the pulley I61 and over the sheave I66 and thence to the switch 36 where it is attached to the operating arm of this switch.

The switch unit 36 is best shown in Figure 7. This switch structure is carried on the top of the movable bridge portion I42. An arm I13, pivotally mounted at I14. carriescontact points I15,

.I16 and I 11. Mounted immediately beneath the arm I13 is a block of insulating material I18 which carries a resiliently mounted contact point I19 adapted to cooperate with the point I to constitute contact 36a. Mounted above the arm I13 is another insulating block I80 which carries the contact points I8I and I82 which c0- operate with the contact points I16 and I11 to form contacts 36-h and'36-c. A helical spring I83, having one end seated in a cup I84 and the other end seated in a recess I85 in the arm I13. tends to normally hold contacts 36b and 36-0 in open position. The contact point I8I is resiliently mounted for correctly timing the make and break functions of the switch.

The hoist rope I10 extends through an aperture I86 in the lever arm and is secured thereto as shown at I81.

As the bridge I42 starts to rise when current is supplied to thebridge motor 23, the contact 36-0 is opened and contacts 36b and 36c are closed. The movable bridge I42 carries a pivoted arm "I which is normally held in a horizontal position -by a stop lug I12 which is also secured to the bridge. The arm "I is adapted to actuate the switches 34 and 35, as will become apparent.

While I have shown the switch 36 as being mounted on the movable bridge portion 2, it will of course be readily appreciated that it may be positioned elsewhere. For example, the switch may be mounted on the horizontal beams I44 of the superstructure. Obviously, this arrangement would make it unnecessary to use a flexible conductor cable to the bridge.

As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the switch 34 comprises a casing having a switch arm I88 of.

insulating material which is pivotally mounted therein by means of a shaft I88 which extends outside the casing. The outer end of the shaft I89 carries an arm I90 which is provided with a pin I90 adapted to be moved by the lever arm III carried by the bridge I42. The insulating arm I88 carries a resilient metallic member I8I which is provided with a contact point I82. Contact point I92 is-adapted to contact with the point I83 mounted in the casing. It will of course be appreciated that the contact points I92 and I83 will be closed and then opened the arm "I rides over the pin I80, as indicated by dot and dash lines in Figure 11. The pivoted construction of the arm "I also permits this arm to pass the pin I80 on its down movement without disturbing the switch 34.

When the bridge has risen to its limit, it operates the switch to break the circuit to the bridge raising motor 23 and stop its movement,

change the boat signal light 2| from red to green. The switch 35 is best shown in Figures 9 and 10, where it can be seen enclosed in the casing I84 which is supported between the channels I and -I45 of the bridge superstructure. An arm I86,

which is mounted on a shaft I86, carries a pin I91 which is adapted to be engaged by the arm I1I n the bridge. The shaft I95 also carries switch arms I98 and I98 within the casing. In the event that a single transformer is employed, the contact points 203 and 204 could be wired with respect to each other so that a single switch arm may be used. A spring I98 is secured at one of its ends to the top of the casing and at its opposite end to the arm I88 to normally hold the contacts in the position shown in Figure 9 against a stop pin 200.

Suitably mounted on an insulating block 202 are two pairs of fixed contact points 203 and 204, which are adapted to be engaged by switch arm I98. The contact points 203 being connected by switch arm I98 form contact 35-0., while contact points 204 co-acting with arm I98 form contact 35-1). The closing of the contact 35-17, or in other words connecting points 204 will pass current to the dead sections 29 and 30 of the boat track 5 through the lines 56 and 51 which will permit the boat to continue its course under the bridge and to the other docking point 21 or 28, as the case may be.

After the boat has passed under the bridge and the bridge starts to lower, the switch 35 will return to its normal position, disconnecting points 204 and connecting points 203. The switch 31 will also function to change the boat signal light 2| from green to red.

The sliding switch 31 is best shown in Figure 113. The switch casing 205 is suitably secured to the upper part of the superstructure. The switch consists of a plunger 206 which is provided with a head 201, which is adapted to be engaged by the upper portion of the movable bridge I42. A resilient contact 208 is secured to the insulated wall 208 of the casing, as at 2I0.

Contacts 2 and 2I2 are secured to the opposite insulated wall of the casing at 213 and 2. These contacts are connected to the green and red boat lights, respectively. Plunger 206 carries a metallic conductor 2I5 which is adapted to complete the circuit from the contact 208 to either of the contacts 2 or 2I2. A helicalspring 2I6 is fitted around the upper end of the plunger for normally holding the switch in the position shown in Figure 13, that is, to complete the circuit to the red signal light for the boat.

It is believed that the use of the above-mentioned switches will overcome any danger of the bridge not properly functioning. These switches will control the signal lights 20 and 2I for the train and boat, and always assure that the proper signal will be on. 4

From the foregoing description it will be readily appreciated that I have provided a toy train system which performs a plurality of functions and yet which can be used with a conventional train set without greatly increasing the cost thereof. Moreover, the system is crash-proof, and. there is little danger of short-circuiting the tracks due to the manner in which they are supported and insulated.

While I have shown and described the preferred embodiment of my invention, I wish it to be understood that I do not confine myself to the precise details of construction herein set forth, by way of illustration, as it is apparent that many changes and variations may be made therein, by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention, or exceeding the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In an electrically operated amusement device, a source of electrical current, a track, a dead section in said track, a motor-driven vehicle adapted to run on said track, a lift bridge in said track, an electric motor for raising and lowering said bridge, a second track so arranged with respect to said first track as to pass under said bridge, a dead section in said second track, a second motor-driven vehicle adapted to run on said second track, means operable by said first vehicle when it arrives on said dead section to supply current to said motor to raise said bridge, a reversing switch having one position for connecting said source of current in series with the electric motor for raising the lift bridge and in series with an upward limit switch for limiting upward movement of the lift bridge, a relay for moving the reversing switch to bridge-raising position, said relay being connected in series through the dead section in the first mentioned track with the source of current when the vehicle is on said dead section, said reversing switch having a second position for connecting said source of current in series with the electric motor for lowering the lift bridge and in series with a downward limit switch for limiting downward movement of the lift bridge, a second relay for moving the reversing switch to bridge-lowering position, said second relay being connected in series through the second mentioned dead section with the source of current when the second mentioned vehicle is on said second mentioned dead section.

2. A toy electric railway system having a course of tracks, means supplying propulsion current to said tracks, a first vehicle adapted to receive propulsion current from said tracks and to operate thereon, a bridge in said course of tracks adapted in one position to complete said tracks and to be moved to an open position forming a gap in said tracks, an electric motor adapted to move said bridge from closed to open position, a control means in said tracks effective, when said vehicle passes over said control means, to cause said motor to operate said bridge to open position, a second vehicle, means to operate said second vehicle over a course which passes through said gap, control means for the operating means of each vehicle interrelated so that the first vehicle will pass over the bridge only when said bridge is in closed position and the second vehicle will pass through said gap only when said bridge opens said gap, said interrelated control means including a section of said tracks on the approach side of said bridge which is adapted to be supplied with propulsion current only when said bridge is in closed position and means causing said bridge to be moved to closed position.

3. A toy electric railway system having a course of tracks, means supplying propulsion current to said tracks, a first vehicle adapted to receive propulsion current from said tracks and to operate thereon, a bridge in said course of tracks adapted in one position to complete said tracks and to be vehicle passes over said control means, to cause said motor to operate said bridge to open position, a second vehicle, means .to operate said second vehicle over a course which passes through said gap, control means for the operating means of each vehicle interrelated so that the first vehicle will pass over the bridge only when said bridge is in closed position and the second vehicle will pass through said gap only when said bridge opens said gap, and said interrelated control means including a section of said tracks on the approach side of said bridge which is adapted to be supplied with propulsion current only when said bridge is in closed position.

4. A toy electric railway system having a course of tracks, means supplying propulsion current to said tracks, a toy train adapted to receive propulsion current from said tracks and to operate thereon, a bridge in said course of tracks adapted in one position to complete said tracks and to be moved to an open position forming a gap in said tracks, an electric motor adapted to move said bridge from closed to open position, a control means in said tracks effective, when said train passes over said control means, to cause said motor to operate said bridge to open position, a toy boat having a stop position, means to operate said boat from its stop position over a course which passes through said gap, control means for each of the train and boat operating means interrelated so that the train will pass over the bridge only when said bridge is in closed position and the boat will pass through said gap only when said bridge opens said gap, said interrelated control means including a section of said tracks on the approach side of said bridge which is adapted to be supplied with propulsion current only when said bridge is in closed position and means causing said bridge to be moved to closed position.

5. A toy electric railway system having a course of tracks, means supplying propulsion current to said tracks, a toy train adapted to receive propulsion current from said tracks and to operate thereon, a bridge in said course of tracks adapted in one position to complete said tracks and to be moved to an open position forming a gap in said tracks, an electric motor adapted to move said bridge from closed to open position and to return said bridge from open to closed position, a control means in said tracks effective, when said train passes over said control means, to cause said motor to operate said bridge to open position, a toy boat having a stop position, means to operate said boat from its stop position over a course which passes through said gap, control means for each of the train and boat operating means interrelated so that the train will pass over the bridge only when said bridge is in closed position and the boat will pass through said gap only when said bridge opens said gap, and said interrelated control means including a section of said tracks on the approach side of said bridge which is adapted to be supplied with propulsion current only when said bridge is in closed position.

6. A toy electric railway system having a course of tracks, means supplying propulsion current to said tracks, a first vehicle adapted to receive propulsion current from said tracks and to operate thereon, a bridge in said course of tracks adapted in one position to complete said tracks and to be moved to an open position forming a gap in said tracks, an electric motor adapted to move said bridge from closed to open position, a control section of track included in said course of tracks on the approach side of the bridge eflective, when said vehicle passes over said section, to cause said motor to operate said bridge to open position, a second vehicle, means to operate said second vehicle over a course which passes through said gap, control means for the operating means of each vehicle interrelated so that the first vehicle will pass over the bridge only when said bridge is in closed position and the second vehicle will pass through said gap only when said bridge opens said gap, said interrelated control means including a stop section of track also included in said course of tracks on the approach side of said bridge and disposed intermediate said con-- trol section and said bridge and which is adapted to be supplied with propulsion current only when said bridge is in closed position, and means causing said bridge to be moved to closed position.

'7. A toy electric railway system having a course of tracks, means supplying propulsion current to said tracks, a first vehicle adapted to receive propulsion current from said tracks and to operate thereon, a bridge in said course of tracks adapted in one position to complete said tracks and to be moved to an open position forming a gap in said tracks, an electric motor adapted to move said bridge from closed to open position, and to return said bridge from open to closed position, a control section of track included in said course of tracks on the approach side of the bridge eiiective, when said vehicle passes over said section, to cause said motor to operate said bridge to open position, a second vehicle, means to operate said second vehicle over a course which passes through said gap, control means for the operating means of each vehicle interrelated so that the first vehicle will pass over the bridge only when said bridge is in closed position and the second vehicle will pass through said gap only when said bridge opens said gap, and said interrelated control means including a stop section of track also included in said course of tracks on the approach side of said bridge and disposed intermediate said control section and said bridge and which is adapted to be supplied with propulsion current only when said bridge is in closed position.

8. A toy electric railway system having a course of tracks, means supplying propulsion current to said tracks. a first vehicleadapted to receive propulsion current from said tracks and to operate thereon, a bridge in said course of tracks adapted in one position to complete said tracks and to be moved to an open position forming a gap in said tracks, an electric motor adapted to move said bridge from closed to open position, normally ineifective control means in said tracks adapted, upon being rendered effective and upon said vehicle passing thereover, to cause said motor to operate said bridge to open position, a second vehicle and means for operating the same over a course which includes said gap, control means for the operating means of each vehicle interrelated so that the first vehicle will pass over the bridge only when said bridge is in closed position and the second vehicle will pass through said gap only when said bridge opens said gap, said interrelated control means including a section of said tracks on the approach side 01 said bridge which is adapted to be supplied with propulsion current only when said bridge is in closed position, means causing said bridge after operfor rendering said first control means effective or ineffective.

9. A toy electric railway system having a course of tracks, means supplying propulsion current to said tracks, a first vehicle adapted to receive propulsion current from said tracks and to operate thereon, a bridge in said course of tracks adapted in one position to complete said tracks and to be moved to an open position forming a gap in said tracks, an electric motor adapted to move said bridge from closed to open position and to return said bridge from open to closed position, normally inefiective means in said tracks adapted, upon being rendered effective and upon said vehicle passing thereover, to cause said motor to operate said bridge to open position, a second vehicle and means for operating the same over a course which includes said gap, control means for the operating means of each vehicle interrelated so that the first vehicle will pass over the bridge only when said bridge is in closed position and the second vehicle will pass through said gap only when said bridge opens said gap, said interrelated control means including a section of said tracks on the approach side of said bridge which is adapted to be supplied with propulsion current only when said bridge is in closed position, and manually controlled for rendering said first control means effective or inefiective.

10. In a toy electric railway system having a course of tracks, means to supply propulsion current to the tracks, a first vehicle adapted to receive propulsion current from the tracks and to operate thereon, a bridge in the course of tracks adapted in one position to complete the tracks and to be moved to an open position to form a gap in the tracks, a signal at the approach end of the bridge to indicate the open or closed positions, an electric motor adapted to move the bridge from closed to open position, normally ineffective control means in said tracks adapted, upon being rendered effective and upon the vehicle passing thereover, to cause said motor to operate the bridge to its open po sition and cause the signal to indicate that the bridge is open, a second vehicle, means to operate said second vehicle over a course which includes said gap, control means for the operating means of each vehicle interrelated so that the first vehicle will pass over the bridge only when the bridge is in closed position and the second vehicle will pass through said gap only when said bridge opens said gap, said interrelated control means including a section of the tracks on the approach side of the bridge which is adapted to be supplied with propulsion current only when said bridge is in closed position, means causing said bridge after operation thereof to open position to be moved to closed position and to cause the signal light to indicate that the bridge is in its closed position, and manually controlled means to render the first mentioned control means effective or ineffective.

11. In a toy railway system having a course of tracks, means to supply propulsion current to the tracks, a toy train adapted to receive propulsion current from the tracks and to operate thereon, a bridge in the course of tracks adapted in one position to complete the tracks and to be moved to an open position forming a gap in the tracks. a signal at the approach end of the bridge to indicate the open or closed position of the bridge, an electric motor adapted to move said bridge from closed to open position, normally ineii'ective means in said tracks adapted,

upon being rendered effective and upon said vehicle passing thereover, to cause said motor to operate said bridge to open position and to cause the signal to indicate the open position of the bridge, a toy boat having a stop position, means to operate said boat from its stop position over a course which passes through said gap, control means for each of the train and boat operating means interrelated so that the train will pass over the bridge only when said bridge is in closed position and the boat will pass through said gap only when said bridge opens said gap, said interrelated control means including a section of said tracks on the approach side of the bridge which is adapted to be supplied with propulsion current only when said' bridge is in closed position, means causing said bridge after operation thereof to open position to be moved to closed position and to cause the signal to indicate that the bridge is closed, and manually controlled means to render the first mentioned control means effective or inefiective.

12. In a toy electric railway system having a course of tracks, means to supply propulsion current to the tracks, a toy train adapted to receive propulsion current from the tracks and to operate thereon, a. bridge in the course of tracks adapted in one position to complete the tracks and to be moved to an open position forming a gap in the tracks, a signal at the approach end of the bridge to indicate the open or closed position of the bridge, an electric motor adapted to move said bridge from closed to open position and to return said bridge from open to closed position, normally ineffective means in said tracks adapted, upon being rendered effective and upon said vehicle passing thereover, to cause said motor to operate said bridge to open position and to cause the signal to indicate the open position of the bridge, a toy boat having a stop position, means to operate the boat from its stop position over a course which passes through the gap, control means for ,each of the train and boat operating means interrelated so that the train will pass over the bridge only when said bridge is in its closed position and the boat will pass through the gap only when said bridge opens said gap, said interrelated control means including a section of the tracks on the approach side of the bridge which is adapted to be supplied with propulsion current only when said bridge is in closed position, and manually controlled means to render the first mentioned control means effective or ineflective.

moms L. DUFFY.

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION.

Patent No. 2,256,862. September 25, 19m.

THOMAS L. DUFFY.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 5, sec- 0nd column, line 19, for "by read --my--; page 5, first column, line 5, for the word "warm" read --wonn--; bage 7, second column, line 28, claim 9, after "controlled" insert --means--, should be read with this correction therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent- Office.

Signed and sealed this hth day of November, A. D. l9hl.

Henry Van Arsdale,

(Seal) Acting Commissioner of Patents.

' and that the said Letters Patent 

